Blue Hens and friends gather in South Korea

ALUMNI | The University celebrated its first official international alumni event, the “UD Korea Gala,” in Seoul, South Korea, in October, with more than 110 alumni, friends of UD, faculty and staff in attendance.

In addition to a delegation from UD, a number of dignitaries participated in the alumni event, including the plenary speaker, Byong Man Ahn, South Korea’s minister of education, science and technology, who has received an honorary doctorate from the University and has been a longstanding friend of the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy. Other participants included Yeon Chang, who earned his doctorate in mechanical engineering at the University in 1988 and is president of the UD-Korea Alumni Association; Heeyhon Song, CEO of Asia Development Institute; John Fogarasi, minister-counselor for commercial affairs at the U.S. Embassy; and David Máthé, deputy director of international trade for the state of Delaware.

University President Patrick Harker spoke at the gala, focusing on academic and research innovations on campus, including ongoing initiatives on the environment, energy and the health sciences. He also highlighted the planning agreement that had just been signed with the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority, exploring the possibility and feasibility of establishing a UD campus in Songdo, South Korea.

The partnership, Harker said, could offer UD the opportunity to extend its geographic reach and develop strategic global partnerships. “A campus in Songdo would significantly raise UD’s international profile and allow us to offer an exceptional UD education to a truly global group of students from throughout Asia, Europe and North America,” he said.

The Alumni Relations Office is planning more international clubs and events in various countries. Blue Hens living abroad who want to get involved in such activities should email the office at alumnet@udel.edu or visit www.UDconnection.com.